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Again, on behalf of Animal, i offer my sincerest apologies for the way the event turned out. Of course, this was not our intention and please know that we will be making major adjustments so that this kind of debacle does not occur next year. You can be sure of that! With that being said, because you all are part of our family and came out to show support, look for some goodies from us in the mail very shortly. Again, thank you for coming out, thank you for the handful of you guys that helped us out while at the event and i look forward to seeing everyone next year at what will be the best National ABC that Animal has ever hosted.

Great post Gary and thank you. Really looking forward to next year and see what's in store!

How open are folks to taking a cab or driving to a different gym next year?

I'm okay with that. I hated that I missed this year. Even with the shenanigans it is always great to see everyone each year. I have some friends who traveled up there for it and who were disappointed because it didn't match what I had told them to expect. I will definitely pass on to them that Animal is taking steps to correct it and to give it another chance next year.

The ABC was/is a great chance to talk shop in a friendly environment, away from all the ruckus that surrounds the expo hall during the day. I attended 4-5 National ABCs while working for Animal years ago. The last few years, I didn't even plan to workout at the National ABC. Instead, I walked around and spoke to all those who I didn't get to chance to speak to during the day. Spotted a few bros, talked shop, and just hung out. I always looked forward to it. That place was always jam packed with like-minded peoples. Unfortunately, what happened this year is what it is. Can't do anything about it now except look forward to next year and try to make something better happen.

How open are folks to taking a cab or driving to a different gym next year?

I am 100% open to driving to a different gym. We usually stay outside the city anyways, and I typically try and get a bigger vehicle to make the trip, so I'll be a damn taxi service if need be to get people to a different location.

“I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn’t give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.”

I know the true Animal fans will go wherever we need to go to get a proper National ABC. I think moving to another place is almost a must. I have the worst taste in my mouth for what happened this year with powerhouse. I honestly don't see a issue with moving to another location. Animal ABC is a prized event that many wish to attend every year. I honestly think moving it out of town a bit to a new location is fitting to the cause... it will help weed out the issues for sure.
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Originally Posted by Nmowery

If that was the attitude that ownership/management was giving off, I definitely wouldn't go back. It would be one thing if they were apologetic for the situation, but I'm gonna guess they came to the realization that they could make a lot more $$ by cramming as many people as possible into the building and telling animal to piss off...

Based on how the fans were treated by the gym, I don't see how the National ABC Event could be held there.

Based on how the fans were treated by the gym, I don't see how the National ABC Event could be held there.

I think moving a little bit outside of the city would be a good thing too.

Originally Posted by JohnGreavesIII

I'm okay with that. I hated that I missed this year. Even with the shenanigans it is always great to see everyone each year. I have some friends who traveled up there for it and who were disappointed because it didn't match what I had told them to expect. I will definitely pass on to them that Animal is taking steps to correct it and to give it another chance next year.

See you all in 2018.

Miss the Georgia crew this year. Hope all is well. Looking forward to seeing you in '18!

Miss the Georgia crew this year. Hope all is well. Looking forward to seeing you in '18!

Yeah Brother, it's all good. I started a small business and it's taking all of our extra funds to sort of nurse it along until it gets to the point where it can crawl on it's own. We could probably have managed it but my wife and I were just paranoid about spending the cash to get to the Arnold and then having something come up later on in the year that we might need the cash for but it would have been spent to go to Columbus. By next year, we'll have a better handle on financial obligations I think and be able to make the trip. I mean because of what I do, I'm able to write off part of the trip so it can be considered a business expense, I took the opportunity to interview Maliek Derstine last year when I was up there, but it's always been a vacation for my wife and I and I want to be able to enjoy the trip rather than being nervous about the impact on our business finances.

I pulled 555lbs at the ABC up there in 2016 so my goal is to pull 600lbs the first time at the ABC. If not in 2018 definitely in 2019!

Again, on behalf of Animal, i offer my sincerest apologies for the way the event turned out. Of course, this was not our intention and please know that we will be making major adjustments so that this kind of debacle does not occur next year. You can be sure of that! With that being said, because you all are part of our family and came out to show support, look for some goodies from us in the mail very shortly. Again, thank you for coming out, thank you for the handful of you guys that helped us out while at the event and i look forward to seeing everyone next year at what will be the best National ABC that Animal has ever hosted.

good to hear G, we tried to put make up on a pig but in the end it was still a pig lol, I cant wait to see what is in store next year! I drive to the Arnold from my house everyday so I could pack a few people in my car if we need to trail a little ways.

#KeepMovingForward #DoYourWorkSon

"Anybody thinking they can succeed in life on their own is delusional. You have to love people and give back or you don't go anywhere" -Charles "Mask" Lewis

Soooo I found a box on my porch last night with my name on it - wasn't sure what was up cause i haven't ordered anything lately, but then saw it shipped from NJ! Just wanted to say thanks for the goodies...totally unnecessary since animal wasn't at fault for the mess, but definitely appreciated!